Pat Cummins Ruled Out of Ashes Opener – Major Blow for Australia

Skipper Pat Cummins is officially ruled out of the Ashes opener in Perth due to a lingering back injury. With leadership duties likely to fall to Steve Smith and Scott Boland expected to join the attack, Australia faces an early test of depth and resilience. Can they recover without their captain in the high-stakes series?

Pat Cummins Set to Miss Ashes Opener – Australia Faces Early Setback

In a major blow to Australia's Ashes campaign, skipper Pat Cummins is all but confirmed to miss the opening Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series. The fast bowler is still recovering from a stress-related back injury, and medical updates suggest he won't be fit in time for the first match in Perth, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Injury Update: What Happened?

Pat Cummins has been sidelined since mid-year after picking up a lower back injury during Australia's tour of the West Indies. Although there was initial optimism about his recovery, recent scans show the injury hasn't healed well enough for him to return to full-speed bowling.

This means Australia will be without both their captain and pace spearhead at the start of one of the most high-stakes series in world cricket — the Ashes.

Who Could Step Up?

With Cummins out, selectors are likely to bring in Scott Boland, who's been reliable whenever called upon. In terms of leadership, Steve Smith is expected to step in as stand-in captain — a role he's familiar with, having led the team during Cummins's absence in previous series.

Australia still has strong pace options in Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, but losing Cummins is sure to leave a noticeable void both on and off the field.

Why This Matters

• Strategic Disruption: Cummins is not only a strike bowler but also a calm and tactical captain.
• Momentum Shift: England will be motivated by the news and could look to gain an early advantage.
• Pressure on Replacements: Boland and Smith will need to deliver, both in performance and leadership.
• Series Outlook: Cummins' availability for later Tests remains uncertain, depending on his rehabilitation progress.

Can Australia Bounce Back?

Absolutely. Australia has depth in both batting and bowling, but there's no denying that Cummins' absence will test the team's balance and adaptability. His return later in the series is still a possibility, but for now, the spotlight shifts to those who must carry the load in Perth.

The opening Test of the Ashes was already a big deal. With this twist, it just got bigger.

Also Read: Australia Announces Squads for India Series 2025 | Full Team List & Key Players